Ye Ole Cabin - Tag - Backcountry2024-03-29T01:06:05-06:00Joshua Griffinurn:md5:cb4dea4c2bf172d4ba0e02ece0f70755DotclearSmiley Creek UBCP Fly-in 2019 Days 3 and 4urn:md5:c49088b1705d7338128d24b9b404ce182019-08-29T21:03:00-06:002019-09-10T08:00:39-06:00JoshuaTravelAirplanesBackcountryBushflyingCessna 120IdahoTravel <p>I forgot to mention that I had to get fuel July 5th (the night of day 2). I wanted to do more flying and I didn't have fuel access in Smiley Creek so I decided to take an evening flight to Challis (KLLJ). The weather was decent and I left with enough time to get back to Smiley Creek before dark. I climbed pretty high since there's a lot of terrain between Smiley and Challis. Once I was about 15 miles from Challis, I flew into some precipitation. I think it was a sleet mix and I watched it accumulate on my tires just a little. The fascinating sight was looking out across the horizon and seeing all these reflective little dots passing by. They sun reflects off the moisture in such a fascinating way. I've seen the phenomenon before but usually in the winter. After grabbing some fuel in Challis, I headed back to Smiley Creek and beat the dark but not the sun. It was a beautiful time to land with dusk approaching.</p>
<p><a href="https://joshuajayg.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-svCLHfH/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-svCLHfH/0/7c9619a3/L/Peak-L.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>The start of day three was a bit warmer than day two. I woke up, made my own breakfast, had the traditional black coffee, then got on my way.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.kelsonphotography.com/Events/Utah-Back-Country-Pilots/Summer-Fly-In-2019/"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-xkTXGsW/0/88d266aa/L/UBCP%20Summer%20Fly-In-3769-L.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><em>Photo by Josh Kelson</em></p>
<p>I like to fly early and relax when it is warm outside. I had a list of airstrips to visit but I got started a little later than planned. Instead of going all the places planned, I B-lined it to Thomas Creek. Talking with Steve Durchie the day before, he informed me of a hot spring near this airstrip and drew me one of his famous maps. I didn't really know what to expect at Thomas Creek but the information I got said I could do it. Upon overflying the airstrip I realized I had been there before. I had an interview with a charter operation in Idaho several years ago and this is the first airstrip the owner and I flew to. I made a 180 in the canyon and put it down on the not-so-straight airstrip. There were some tie-downs in the ground so I secured my plane, grabbed my water and camera, and headed down the trail.</p>
<p><a href="https://joshuajayg.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-z3P7gDc/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-z3P7gDc/0/04bccf7d/L/Thomas%20Creek-L.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>It was an easy walk to the river. This trail leads across a bridge to Middle Fork Lodge before making a hard right at the river bank and turns into a proper foot trail. There was an agreement made between the forest service and Middle Fork Lodge. In order for the lodge to be allowed to build a bridge to service their lodge, they had to allow access across the bridge and along the edge of their property for hikers to make it to the hot spring. I sure liked this agreement. I saw a deer on the road leading to the bridge then came by the lodge's water wheel. It was a cool sight and I really appreciated it since I'm off-grid.</p>
<p><a href="https://joshuajayg.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-rtdxmVs/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-rtdxmVs/0/b6e7470f/L/Water_Wheel-L.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>I continued across the bridge then made the mile-ish hike on the foot trail to the hot spring. What a cool sight! I could smell it before I could see it. There was a rafting party camped across the river from the hot spring so I couldn't really get into my full hot-spring attire but I dipped my feet in and read a book. The top pools are WAY too hot to stay in but the bottom pool is perfect. These pools are above the river and have no cooling water added to them. I figured it would be a perfect place to take Kelli in the fall after the first snow falls.</p>
<p><a href="https://joshuajayg.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-3PVJcpM/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-3PVJcpM/0/eebb666b/L/Hot%20Spring-L.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>I spent about an hour and a half there reading a book with my feet in the pool, I think; I wasn't really watching my watch. After the air started heating up a bit I started my hike back to the airplane. I met a few people on the hike out. One couple was from Australia. As I learned later on, they are ship captains for a private yacht. They have a pretty great, prestigious job. I saw a large raft taking gear for at least 30 people down river on my hike back. A charter 206 made a stop in as I was getting close the the bridge. The lodge's UTV came zipping by, taking customers up to the airplane. By the time I made it all the way to the airstrip, the Cessna 206 was started and I waved at the pilot as he made his turn to take off.</p>
<p>Upon reaching my plane I decided it was a perfect day to fly without a door. There are only four screws holding on the pilot door so I used my sumping tool/screwdriver to remove the door. I shoved it in the luggage area, grabbed my older headset that doesn't mind oscillating air pressure, and took off down river. After climbing a little I made a turn in the canyon and headed back up river, the way I came in. I flew over another lodge and saw the same 206 that had taken off from Thomas Creek. It was getting hot enough that I wasn't interested in any other landings so I headed back to Smiley Creek for the afternoon. On the way I decided to fly over the sawtooths and take some photos of the high peaks and snow/ice hiding back there. It looks like a mountaineering paradise.</p>
<p><a href="https://joshuajayg.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-zjBWKnz/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-zjBWKnz/0/31c0a619/L/Ice_2-L.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>The afternoon was occupied by more naps, reading, and chatting with other pilots. That evening, dinner was provided by the Utah Backcountry Pilots Association. It was pulled pork; I LOVE pulled pork. They had an awards ceremony type thing where I got the award for being the youngest pilot to fly in. There was a younger pilot but he didn't fly in so I won it. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/popsdory">Pops Dory</a> won "Shortest Distance Flown to Smiley Creek".</p>
<p><a href="https://joshuajayg.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-4r8RXnQ/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-4r8RXnQ/1/a0a5ca3e/L/IMG_20190707_165821_933-L.jpg" /> </a></p>
<p>The evening mostly concluded with some strong winds followed by some sprinkling rain. A few of us nerdy-type attendants were rounded up by Roy Evans and were told we should collaborate to make a backcountry weather station. We geeked out for quite a while before I retired to making one s'more and heading to my tent. End of day 3; a good day.</p>
<p>Day four was time to head home. I think I was the first one to leave. I don't remember much of that morning but it was early and I left. Idaho is beautiful but so is my wife so leaving wasn't too hard. I made my first stop at Picabo, ID. I heard there was a gas station right next to the airstrip so I took advantage of my autofuel STC.</p>
<p><a href="https://joshuajayg.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-vMFnrXD/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-vMFnrXD/0/24e5f46a/L/DSC_0368-L.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>The next stop was Heber, UT. Crossing the Crater of the Moon area again got me a bit flustered. There isn't much for landmarks so I kind of guessed and hoped my ground track was right. I landed at a backcountry strip I found along the way just to do it. I was probably 25 degrees off my intended course once I hit my next landmark. I corrected course and used Lake Walcott to fix my position. I crossed some beautiful farmland and a chunk of land owned by Northrop Grumman.</p>
<p><a href="https://joshuajayg.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-zQjzrq8/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-zQjzrq8/0/c6e004a9/L/Fields-L.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://joshuajayg.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-qxnb66F/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-qxnb66F/0/c1eddb6d/L/DSC_0325-L.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://joshuajayg.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-PNSWtxC/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-PNSWtxC/0/bb1ea9ed/L/DSC_0332-L.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>I skirted around the Mode C veil of Salt Lake City since I am sans-transponder. All the area just east of the Wasatch front is absolutely stunning. I landed at Heber to get fuel. I didn't fill up since fuel is expensive there. I headed over to Price, Utah flying over Strawberry Reservoir.</p>
<p><a href="https://joshuajayg.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-Z7NScHh/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-Z7NScHh/0/fff5725c/L/Strawberry-L.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>I planned to add enough fuel in Price to make it to Moab since Redtail (my employer) runs the FBO and I get a good fuel discount. I was surprised to find that no one is in Price on a Sunday. I ran around looking for a way to fuel my airplane without using self-serve. I eventually just started the fuel truck, fueled my plane, printed a fuel receipt, and left a note saying to bill me. It was a funny way to get things done.</p>
<p>A short hop across more familiar territory got me home to Moab, UT before things got uncomfortably bumpy. I made it home to the heat, dreaming about the grass and beauty of the mountains I left behind.</p>
<p>Thank you <a href="https://utahbackcountrypilots.org/">UBCP</a> for hosting a fly-in in Idaho, it was a great getaway in a great location. And thank you, <a href="https://idahoaviation.com/">Idaho Aviation Association</a> for preserving so many airstrips that are in remarkable locations. I look forward to next year.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.kelsonphotography.com/Events/Utah-Back-Country-Pilots/Summer-Fly-In-2019/"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-HXrsWFS/0/bade4ca0/L/UBCP%20Summer%20Fly-In-3796-L.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><em>Photo by Josh Kelson</em></p>
<p>Joshua</p>http://yeolecabin.com/blog/index.php?post/2019/08/29/Smiley-Creek-UBCP-Fly-in-2019-Days-3-and-4#comment-formhttp://yeolecabin.com/blog/index.php?feed/atom/comments/6Smiley Creek UBCP Fly-in 2019 Days 1 and 2urn:md5:7da1906f4707f195e4f1a6562193177f2019-08-13T13:16:00-06:002019-08-22T22:35:04-06:00JoshuaTravelAirplanesBackcountryBushflyingCessna 120IdahoTravel<p>July 4th weekend the <a href="https://utahbackcountrypilots.org/" title="Utah Backcountry Pilots">Utah Backcountry Pilots Association</a> hosted a fly-in at Smiley Creek airstrip in Idaho (U87). I had the lucky chance to break from my normal schedule and get up there and join the fun. I had not yet taken my airplane to a fly-in so this was the maiden fly-in voyage for me and the 120.</p>
<p> </p> <p>I left early-ish on the morning of the July 4th with my trusty sectional, plotter, and E6-B flight computer. This trip was going to be a practice in old technology. I had my cell phone with me but had no intention of using the GPS. It was my AFD, or chart supplement for the new age, and music. All my navigation was to be done using magnetic headings, plotting, and fixing my mistakes when I got lost. I did not even have a VOR to guide my way.</p>
<p><a href="https://joshuajayg.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-VgZHGj7/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-VgZHGj7/0/1982ea3f/L/Sunrise-L.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://joshuajayg.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-CMLZrFP/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-CMLZrFP/0/f41d6023/L/Maps-L.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Off I went, headed north through familiar territory. I went through desolation canyon where I frequently fly charters up to Sand Wash for rafters. After flying over Sand Wash airstrip, it was time to start climbing some more. The High Uintas were straight ahead and my course took me right over. The trusty 120 managed just fine especially on a cool morning. I found myself cruising along smooth air looking over frozen lakes and lots of snow on one of the few mountain ranges along the Rockies to run east-west.</p>
<p><a href="https://joshuajayg.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-rqHpH94/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-rqHpH94/0/9b2e4326/L/High_Uintas_1-L.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>After making it across, it was time to start a descent so I could find denser air to breathe and start thinking about my first fuel stop. I tend to plan fuel stops based on price of fuel and potential bathroom necessity. The first stop along the way was Evanston (KEVW). I landed there admiring the high hills surrounding the airport. I then proceeded to wait an hour for the FBO attendant to wake up and turn on the fuel pumps. Their self-serve fuel is not 24 hour and he thought he could sleep in since it was July 4th. After a longer than planned stop, off I was again headed northwest. Next stop was American Falls (U01). I got a little confused north of Logan but after some compass looking, waypoint timing, and pilotage, I was oriented again in a more right-ish direction. This leg wasn't long (121 miles before wrong turns) but it was necessary for fuel price sake and... I needed to pick up some more groceries. The airport was simple. Self serve fuel, old courtesy car, no one around. I think it was primarily a crop-duster strip.</p>
<p>Then next leg had nearly zero waypoints to rely on so it was mostly point and go. I crossed craters of the moon before making a quick top-off in Haley. People complain about Haley saying they don't like small airplanes and the controllers are gruff but my experience was fine.</p>
<p><a href="https://joshuajayg.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-Rr3723r/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-Rr3723r/0/f393c82c/L/DSC_0236-L.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://joshuajayg.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-SfpPNwj/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-SfpPNwj/0/733ad600/L/Entry-L.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Finally, in the mountains. It was a very short 33 miles direct up to Smiley Creek. I didn't fly direct because that's not how the canyon is oriented but I still made it there in fine time. There were several airplanes coming in as I was arriving and I was just hoping the faster 182 behind me wasn't going to descend on top of me. All worked out and I got the last available spot on the west side of the airstrip (the bathroom side).</p>
<p><a href="https://joshuajayg.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-hCscKTM/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-hCscKTM/0/d7072516/L/Morning_120-L.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>It was time to relax. I met lots of people, setup camp, read a book, and took a nap; exactly what I was looking for. Roy, Steve, and some others planned on heading to Sulphur Creek the next morning for breakfast and I planned to tag along. As the sun began to set the air got cold. It was time for bed.</p>
<p>I woke up the next morning to a heavy frost on the airplane. I got coffee started and put on all my layers. I think it got down to 25F that morning. As the sun peaked over the mountains I turned the airplane around so the tops of the wings would face the sun. It thawed out soon enough and I was ready to go.</p>
<p><a href="https://joshuajayg.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-sLGBnHq/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-sLGBnHq/0/d9e320b9/L/Morning_Coffee-L.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://joshuajayg.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-pVQMQCk/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-pVQMQCk/0/d6544152/L/First_morning-L.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>I hand propped the plane and let it warm up. Once a couple guys started taxiing out, I hopped in and was going to take off after. One guy was having mag issues so he stayed behind with another guy. The breakfast club was getting smaller. I took off, navigated up to Sulphur Creek in the beautiful morning air with nothing but a map Steve loaned me (that I still have) and some music. On landing, there was a 182 on approach and a mule train going the opposite direction under him. It was a great sight to see. Sulphur Creek is a privately owned lodge surrounded by wilderness so the only way in and out if you don't have an airplane is by foot or beast. Landing was uneventful, I parked next to Steve's 180, and headed to the lodge to get some breakfast.</p>
<p><a href="https://joshuajayg.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-2jBWtpS/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-2jBWtpS/0/6e89d92c/L/DSC_0262-L.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Their menu is "yes" or "no". "Yes" costs $25. I ordered a "yes", picked up a breakfast parfait while the goods were cooking and sat down with the Durchies. While we were sitting there Roy and a couple of his kids showed up in the PA-11. Breakfast came soon enough and I stuffed myself on the wonderful vittles. I still had places to go before the heat got me so off I went ahead of the rest of the crew.</p>
<p><a href="https://joshuajayg.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-9Gb3jhH/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-9Gb3jhH/0/12f0c64d/L/20190705_091824-L.jpg" alt=""></a></p>
<p>Next up was Indian Creek. I was told they have a stellar pooper. Yep, a pooper. It purportedly has a wonderful view overlooking the Middle Fork. A short flight after breakfast I headed up there and parked next to a couple 182s. I was far away from the majestic crapper but there was a really cool looking suspension bridge near where I was parked. I meandered around there for a while, took some photos, and was off again. </p>
<p><a href="https://joshuajayg.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-qXpFWZS/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-qXpFWZS/0/2c8a8479/L/DSC_0289-L.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Next stop was Bruce Meadows. I didn't have a goal or reason to go to Bruce Meadows but figured I would stop in anyway. It's in a wide open valley with a road nearby. I approached over a piece of the airstrip that seemed to have been reclaimed by the elements and turned into a wetland. Once I thought I was over all the super soft stuff, I put it down and pulled off the airstrip. It was a gorgeous area with some picnic tables. My coworker, Dan, said he goes fishing there but I didn't bring a pole so instead I took out my camp chair and book. While I sat there reading, two tailwheel LSAs and a 210 took off. Eventually the heat started up and I was thinking about lunch so I packed up and headed back to Smiley Creek.</p>
<p><a href="https://joshuajayg.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-nrDwgxr/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-nrDwgxr/0/bef0645f/L/DSC_0223-L.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://joshuajayg.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-46WFpqP/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019/i-46WFpqP/0/2a81375a/L/River-L.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>The rest of my day was full of more naps, more reading, some good food, lots of talking with airplane neighbors, ice cream from the store across the road, and an endless game of frisbee that started at 9pm.</p>
<p>Good day and good night July 5th.</p>
<p>More photos can be found at <a href="http://yeolecabin.com/blog/index.php?post/2019/08/13/" src="http://joshuajayg.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Idaho-2019" target="_blank">Smugmug-Idaho 2019</a></p>http://yeolecabin.com/blog/index.php?post/2019/08/13/Smiley-Creek-UBCP-Fly-in-2019#comment-formhttp://yeolecabin.com/blog/index.php?feed/atom/comments/5